log splitter conversion

[nyone]

I guess to some $3500 is cheaper than $500?

 

[Illcome]

A lot of good points to consider. So far this is where I'm at.
Wallenstein WX310 used $275.00
Honda GC190 6HP used $75.00
I'm thinking the valve on the WX310 is okay.
For the pump I'm looking at a Dynamic #9-7503-13 or MTE 9-7972-13 both from Surplus Center catalog.
I used to go fast with deeper pockets but now I'm just a steady eddy with shallower pockets.
Thanks to everyone for your feed back.

 

[CADplans]

A lot of good points to consider. So far this is where I'm at.
Wallenstein WX310 used $275.00
Honda GC190 6HP used $75.00
I'm thinking the valve on the WX310 is okay.
For the pump I'm looking at a Dynamic #9-7503-13 or MTE 9-7972-13 both from Surplus Center catalog.
I used to go fast with deeper pockets but now I'm just a steady eddy with shallower pockets.
Thanks to everyone for your feed back.

I had a good friend neighbor that had a tractor hydraulic powered 3 point splitter.

One day, as a Christmas present, I went to his house, "stole" the splitter,, and converted it to a tow-able splitter with its own engine.

The tractor delivered about 3GPM, I used a 13GPM 2 stage pump.

Well, after I returned it, to his garage,,, with a bow on it, the neighbor was super happy.
THEN,, three days later, my neighbor called,,, his church group was all UPSET!!

It seems that the group of old guys would get together, and, using the tractor powered splitter,
spend all day splitting two pickups full of wood for the old widows in the church,

When he showed up the the converted splitter, the old guys split 4 pickups full of wood,, in 3 hours.
It turns out, the guys used to enjoy standing around chatting while the slow tractor splitter cycled.

The tow-able splitter worked the old guys almost to death,,, and,,, they did not get to chat,,,, AT ALL!! :laughing:

I showed him how to slow down the engine,,, that helped a little,,
You never know the real intent of some people,,,:confused2:



He did really like it,, and still uses it to this day,,,:thumbsup:

 

[MossRoad]

I did a Harbor Freight engine swap on our 30 year old log splitter about a year and a half ago. It's the 6.5HP engine. It's on sale at Harbor Freight for $99 this month. It was a direct bolt-in replacement for a 5HP Briggs. Here's a link to the thread I did back then on it. Several folks here on TBN have done Harbor Freight engine swaps on various pieces of equipment.

$99.... can't beat it. :thumbsup:

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...another-predator-engine-swap.html#post4675523

 

[drs1023]

I've built 3 log splitters over the last 15 years, all using 24"x4"x2" cylinders from TSC. I sold the first 2 to guys who couldn't build their own or couldn't afford new ones. Old boat trailer axles allows me to run real tires rather than the little ones on factory built ones - I don't worry about highway speeds that way. In order to balance speeds and power, I use Haldex 2 stage pumps pulled by 5.5 hp Honda engines. I've split 30" Hickory with them. I convert old BBQ grill tanks to hold a little under 5 gallons of fluid. I split 6 to 7 F350 loads per year.

 

[majorwager]

drs 1023,

A Question: I have not used a two speed pump. But of those I've seen, the high speed pressure is about 600 psi. Will that psi split hardwood?
I thought the high speed setting was to assist in retracting the ram? The low speed, perhaps 1500 psi for actual splitting work?
What is your experience?

 

[drs1023]

At least 80% of all the hardwoods I split are at the higher speed/lower pressure. The pressure may build and slow the cycle in the middle of a log then speed back up when it pushes past the knot or twist. I've not used a single speed pump except on my old PTO mounted one many years ago.

 

[John_Mc]

drs 1023,

A Question: I have not used a two speed pump. But of those I've seen, the high speed pressure is about 600 psi. Will that psi split hardwood?
I thought the high speed setting was to assist in retracting the ram? The low speed, perhaps 1500 psi for actual splitting work?
What is your experience?

1500 PSI seems rather low.

 

[drs1023]

I'm no expert at fluid dynamics, but the valve I use has a preset pressure of 2250, adjustable to 2500+.

 

[4570Man]

I think most 2 stage pumps are closer to 2500 psi on the high pressure side. My splitter probably hits the low pressure 1-20 pieces even with the 4 way. It’s not a big deal.